First Look: Cocktails at Andy Ricker's Whiskey Soda Lounge, Brooklyn

A peek at the drinks at Whiskey Soda Lounge in Brooklyn. [Photographs: Maryse Chevriere]

Note: First Looks give previews of new drinks and menus we're curious about. Since they are arranged photo shoots, we do not make critical evaluations or recommendations.

"It's drinking food," says bar manager Michael Pieretti of the menu at the new Whiskey Soda Lounge, the second outpost of the Portland original, located right next to Andy Ricker's popular joint Pok Pok in Brooklyn's Cobble Hill. "In Thailand, in general, when you're drinking, you're eating. The food menu [at Whiskey Soda Lounge] is essentially Thai drinking snacks, and all of our drinks are built to complement the food," explains Pieretti. "Most are on the sweeter side, but also super refreshing because the food is fairly spicy," he clarifies.

Pieretti behind the bar.

To pair with fish sauce wings, five-spice pig ear strips, and sour pork riblets, you'll find fruit-forward drinks—developed primarily by Andy Ricker and Dave Kaufman—like the Mango Alexander, a mango lassi-inspired play on the classic Brandy Alexander. Pieretti recommends a Salted Lime Collins, a variation on the Salted Plum Collins served at Pok Pok. "I like it because it's got a nice viscosity, it's simple and salty and just pairs really well with the food," says Pieretti.

About the author:Maryse Chevriere is a card-carrying beverage geek on a mission to keep her glass (at least) half full. You can find her behind the bar preaching about peculiar wine at Terroir Park Slope and follow her spirited musings on Twitter @Maryse_Chev1224 and Instagram @marysechev.